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You may have seen an article posted by the Daily Mail showing how mega influencer and almost-billionaire Kylie Jenner has a red light therapy bed in her home gym. I posted a TikTok describing my experience using red light therapy beds as well as my personal red light therapy device and it went niche viral.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy describes the process of subjecting the body to red and infra-red light to induce beneficial cellular activity. Studies have shown that low-intensity red and near-infrared light stimulates cellular metabolism via a primary photoacceptor: cytochrome C oxidase (source). Cytochrome C oxidase is the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. And as we all know from Biology class, the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell 😌.
The red and near-infrared light spurs activity in the cells. This means enhanced cell turnover as well as elastin and collagen production, giving us the effect of healthier, more youthful skin. This also means enhanced healing of scar tissue. Beyond the skin, red light therapy has been found beneficial for everything from muscle recovery to hair growth. In laser form, red light has also been found to be effective in killing cancer cells without harming the surrounding tissue (source).
Does The Type of Light Matter?
Studies have shown that a combination of red and near-infrared is the most effective. However, red light alone did also produce beneficial results in some clinical trials. If your LED room lights are all you have access to, they probably won’t be strong enough. Those light strips don’t have the recommended nanometers (approx 600-900) and won’t be as potent as a LED lamp.
Can Red Light Be Harmful?
Some LED lamps caution that overexposure to the light can lead to skin damage. Additionally, those with eye diseases involving the retina of the eye, including diabetes, are also discouraged from using red light therapy (source). Thought I don’t have diabetes, I wear suntanning goggles like these when using my red light therapy panel.
Therapy Options
Nowadays, there are lots of red light products on the market to suit a wide variety of needs. If you are looking primarily for results for the face, you can opt for a mask like this one from Dr. Dennis Gross.
Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
For a portable option, you can try a wand like this one from SolaWave.
SolaWave Wand
Advanced skin care wand with red light therapy. Perfect for travel.
I like using a panel like this one. It can be positioned to treat different parts of the body.
Red Light Panel Mini
Lastly, you can get a full-body experience like Kylie by purchasing an LED bed or using one at your local gym or spa.
My Results
I personally have noticed that my skin looks glowier and that my hyperpigmentation has been a lot less severe since using light therapy. As I mentioned in my TikTok, I have done a few other things, as well.
Have you tried light therapy? Let me know in the comments!
